Select Local Merchants

Have you ever looked a tiger in the eye?
Felt the whole-body impact of lions roaring?
Watched wolves romp through the woods?
These and other exciting experiences are possible at the Conservators Center, a wildlife conservancy with a focus on education, conservation, and rescue that is home to more than 80 animals. You're guaranteed a unique and up-close view of breathtaking exotic animals.
An "oofing" at the Conservators Center is an experience you'll have to feel to believe. It's the earth-shaking sound our lion prides make when they roar to one another. Our guides call to them on every tour, and you may have the opportunity to hear them from just 5 feet away! Most of our friendly and curious lions, tigers, leopards, and wolves enjoy greeting and observing their visitors. You will be equally enchanted by our smaller species, which include binturongs, New Guinea singing dogs, lemurs, servals, and jungle cats.
Learn about our residents' individual stories, some of their unique habits, each species and its role in its ecosystem, and how we provide excellent care for our residents. Every visit from you helps support them!
See our website for more information about our tours and events, and to make advance reservations. Then come visit and awaken your wild side!

Motor skills and movement come disguised as playtime inside of Playtopia, an "edutainment" center with indoor playgrounds and other kinetic activities. Wee ones can climb rung ladders, barrel down tube slides, swing from the monkey bars, and let out energy in the bounce house. For a more relaxed activity, the glow-putt course features nine holes that glow in the dark and pit players against motorized obstacles. Playtopia also features a playground for toddlers aged 1–3, an arcade with more than 25 games, and a viewing area for parents.

You could take your child to a petting zoo, or you could bring the petting zoo to them, thanks to Kiddie Kritterz. With 35 animals in house, they liven up birthday parties, family reunions, and other events with their mobile menagerie and, of course, pony rides.

The vision of a local North Carolina man, Zootastic Park sends animal lovers on an educational, interactive journey with an ever-expanding selection of exhibits, attractions, and activities. Owner Scottie Brown?who, along with his family, has been working with exotic animals for more than 30 years?transformed his dream into reality in 2009, when the zoo finally opened its gates after several years of construction and growing inside a kangaroo pouch. Today, the zoo's themed areas, such as Western Town and the Barnyard Petting Zoo, let visitors explore reptiles, farm animals, and exotic beasts including antelope, birds, and tigers who go by the names Sasha and Jasmine. Zootastic Park also hosts or furnishes animals for special events and can provide an exotic feel for events including birthdays, weddings, and corporate gatherings. When winter rolls around, the zoo morphs into a wonderland of lights, complete with an appearance from a Santa Claus who is clearly just a zebra wearing the sheep's cast-off wool.

The Reed Gold Mine preserves a moment in time—specifically, the first documented discovery of gold in the United States. The era is brought to life with exhibits on mining equipment and regional history. Guests can check out a restored ore-crushing mill, explore underground trails in the restored mine, and even pan for gold.

Anytime from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 or Sunday, December 5, families can embark on 25-minute hayrides through the woods and pastures of Harris Farm. As you travel over the scenic Reedy Creek, gorge your eyes on area wildlife and cute farm animals as you chat with Santa himself about wish lists, cheerful holiday memories of yore, and the universal appeal of Seinfeld -themed stocking stuffers. Bring home some seasonal spirit by getting your photo snapped with St. Nick (an additional $5) or picking out the perfect evergreen from the farm's Christmas-tree lot.